The concept of a “Perfect” Martini is often discussed and rarely achieved. What is it? How is it made?

Before we can discuss the “Perfect” Martini, we must define a Martini.

• Merriam-Webster: An alcoholic drink made with gin and vermouth; also: a similar drink made with vodka instead of gin.
• Dictionary.com: A cocktail made with gin or vodka and dry vermouth, usually served with a green olive or a twist of lemon peel.
• Oxforddictionaries.com: A cocktail made from gin (or vodka) and dry vermouth, typically garnished with an olive or a twist of lemon

So we can all agree that a Martini is a drink made from Gin or Vodka with a bit (maybe) of Vermouth topped with a twist of lemon, possibly lime, or an olive (or three).